Business Blasphemy: Success, Ambition & Other Things Women Question After 40

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In this raw and unfiltered episode, I reflect on the aftermath of delivering my first TEDx talk — an experience that was both empowering and uncomfortable. 

I share how stepping onto that stage and finally speaking my truth sparked a deep reckoning about my work, my impact, and the online business space as a whole.

After years of playing by the unwritten rules of visibility — curated vulnerability, algorithm games, and selling success over substance — I. AM. DONE. 

I lay bare the exhaustion of constantly battling an industry that prioritizes profit over integrity and marketability over real impact. But this isn’t a resignation — it’s a revolution.

Heed my powerful call to action for ambitious women leaders: Stop shrinking to fit spaces that were never meant for you. Stop waiting for permission to claim your expertise. Stop being the hidden force behind others' success and step into your own.

The DragonFIRE Advisory is born out of this realization — an elite advisory for women who are ready to lead with power, purpose, and profit — without playing the games that drain them. This episode is a must-listen for women who are tired of fitting in and are ready to rise with significance.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In this first episode of season 4 of Business Blasphemy, we call out tired tactics and reactive investments that leave entrepreneurs spinning their wheels. Sarah shares hard truths about why most investments fail and how to approach them strategically this year. Learn how to find the right coach or advisor, prioritize self-leadership, and stop falling for templated tactics disguised as bespoke strategies. It's time to align your actions with your vision and invest in what truly ignites your success.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most investments fail (hint: it’s not just the coach).
• The difference between cookie-cutter frameworks and personalized methodologies.
• What to look for in a coach or advisor in 2025.
• Why self-leadership is the foundation of every success.
• The role of accountability in creating real results.

Episode Structure:

1. The problem with reactive investments.
2. What you don’t need in 2025.
3. What to look for when investing in support.
4. How self-leadership drives success.
5. The season focus: leadership pillars that actually get results.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In this episode, I’m challenging the productivity status quo by declaring December a no-planning zone. Instead, I’m sharing why it’s the perfect time for reflection, rest, and celebration to set the stage for an intentional and powerful new year. Join me for actionable tips, inspiring insights, and a reminder to reclaim your energy before diving into the next chapter.

Happy holidays to all of you, and I'll see you in 2025!

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

A comment from a longtime listener sparked an important conversation about the value of diverse narratives. This listener observed a theme in recent episodes — featuring phenomenal women of color — and admitted she struggled to relate to their stories. 

This episode explores the idea that the worth of a story isn't limited to its relatability. Instead, it's about embracing different perspectives and acknowledging the richness they bring to our understanding of the big old world and the diverse people in it. 

Join me as we challenge the notion that a narrative needs to mirror our experiences to be meaningful, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of insights from our recent guests.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

What if women could harness their innate investment prowess to close the earnings gap and secure their financial futures? This week, Myrna Laine-Hyppolite, financial wellness coach and wealth strategist, debunks myths that have long held women back from the stock market. Myrna reveals why women are often natural investors, bettering their male counterparts, and shares her expert strategies for empowering women to confidently dive into the world of investing. Learn how investing can be tailored to fit your lifestyle, whether you're a busy professional or managing family commitments, and discover the importance of finding a financial advisor who truly understands and respects women's unique financial goals.

Throughout this episode, we explore the transformative power of time, consistency, and understanding your investor persona to support investment success. Myrna sheds light on the common pitfalls to avoid and emphasizes the importance of diversification to mitigate risks. She shares her personal journey of overcoming financial struggles and highlights the critical role of multiple income streams, especially for women seeking financial independence. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for women ready to take control of their financial wellness and use money management as a form of self-care.

Guest Bio:
Myrna Laine-Hyppolite is the Founder and Chief Financial Empowerment Partner at Empower Financial Wellness. She is a financial wellness coach and wealth strategist who helps powerhouse women executives turn their amazing income into their first million in net worth, even if they are new to investing in the stock market and are not financial pros. Myrna is an ivy-league graduate with over 30 years of experience in the finance arena.

Coming out of her investing coaching program, her clients end up with a solid and automated investment game plan that allows them to fast track their money growth. She dispels investing myths, simplifies jargon and provides them with an organized and simple way to manage and grow their wealth with the stock market.

Connect with Myrna:
Website URL: https://www.empowerfinancialwellness.com
Linktr.ee page: https://linktr.ee/empowerfinancialwellness
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myrna-laine-hyppolite/
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/myrna.lainehyppolite/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerfinancialwellness

Financial Empowerment Community for Women Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/finance4women

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Shanel Evans doesn’t just share her story — she lays bare the unspoken class dynamics and systemic barriers she faced climbing the corporate ladder. From her days as a finance director to building a six-figure business on her own terms, Shanel’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when women challenge the norms of traditional workplaces. Her raw, honest take on navigating the intersections of gender, race, and leadership in male-dominated industries offers both a reality check and a call for change.

Through Shanel’s lens, we see how a startup environment became her proving ground, allowing her to lead with innovation, drive diversity initiatives, and build a nonprofit that thrived on strategies most people overlook. But the boldest move? Leaving a "safe" finance career to embrace her passion for marketing and entrepreneurship — right in the middle of a global pandemic. Shanel’s leap wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about claiming her time, energy, and purpose on her own terms. Her story reminds us that while entrepreneurship is far from easy, it can be the most liberating decision you’ll ever make.

In a business world addicted to hustle culture, Shanel is the antidote we didn’t know we needed. Her anti-hustle philosophy flips the script on working harder by showing us how to work smarter. She calls out the toxic cycle of overworking, offering value-driven strategies that honor both your goals and your well-being. And when it comes to the pedestal mentality — whether you're the one putting people on it or stuck on one yourself — Shanel challenges us to dismantle those assumptions and open doors we didn’t think were possible. This conversation is a bold reminder that women entrepreneurs aren’t just changing their lives — they’re reshaping the future of business itself.

Guest Bio:
Shanel Evans, founder of Socially Savvy and co-founder of FyreSavvy, is a seasoned Business Advisor and Marketing Consultant. With a track record of managing $3B project launches and launching her own successful company via social media, Shanel has revolutionized the art of engagement. Through her unique 100K V.I.B.E. Methodology, she empowers clients to captivate their online audience with strategic creative development. A community-driven force, Shanel also serves as a Team Administrator for an award-winning youth track & field non-profit and a Board Member for the Donna M Saunders Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Connect with Shanel: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanelevans/
• https://www.facebook.com/shanelevansVA
• www.structureandsoulpodcast.com -- podcast

Download the Pink Flamingo Method for magnetic messaging: www.fyresavvy.net/pinkflamingomethod

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

What if we've been measuring strength all wrong? Dr. Rhonda Alexander challenges the conventional yardstick of strength, particularly for women in entrepreneurship. We unpack the burden of societal expectations, which equate strength with enduring adversity, and how this leads women to impose relentless standards upon themselves. Drawing from Dr. Rhonda's book "Seven Dirty Secrets of a Strong Black Woman," we question whether true strength lies not in flawless performance but in acknowledging and addressing one's own needs.

It's time to reconsider the concept of strength through the lens of self-awareness and boundary-setting. We highlight the pitfalls of overcommitment, especially for those who naturally extend themselves too far in corporate and entrepreneurial settings. By setting clear boundaries and recognizing personal limits, women and minorities can rise above burnout. This empowers them to positively impact their environments, nurturing from a place of fullness rather than exhaustion.

We also look at the intricate dance between trauma and leadership, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond mere acknowledgment to genuine healing. Dr. Rhonda shares personal anecdotes, illustrating the transformative power of therapy and sustained effort in overcoming deep-seated traumas. If you've ever identified as an ambitious or high achieving woman, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Guest Bio:
Meet Dr. Rhonda Alexander— a force of nature in the world of entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership. She’s the brains behind IUVO Consulting, E-Squared Coaching, and SoulScribe, helping experts turn their knowledge into business gold. Dr. Rhonda doesn’t just teach success—she lives it. With three powerhouse books under her belt, including EntrHERpreneur and Your Life’s Calling, she’s a master at turning ambition into action.

Her memoir, 7 Dirty Secrets of a Strong Black Woman, hits bookshelves this January 2025. It’s a raw and powerful story that will shift the conversation around what it means to be “strong.”

With a background that includes degrees in Molecular Biology, Clinical Chemistry, Public Administration, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, Dr. Rhonda has the expertise to get results. With nearly 30 years of experience leading teams and growing businesses, Dr. Rhonda’s the one to call when it’s time to level up.

Connect with Dr. Rhonda:
www.meetwithdrrhonda.net
https://www.soulscribe.net
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedrrhonda

Preorder 7 Dirty Secrets of a Strong Black Woman here: www.7dirtysecrets.net

Want to hear the episode on mental health challenges for entrepreneurs I reference this week? Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/business-blasphemy/id1663984744?i=1000621497698

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Ever wondered how an immigrant college dropout turns a personal necessity into a multi-million dollar brand? Vivian Kaye, the visionary behind KinkyCurlyYaki, shares her extraordinary journey and the mantra that fuels her entrepreneurial spirit, "What Would Chad Do." Join me as Vivian opens up about her experience with intellectual property challenges on TikTok and her unyielding resolve to stay authentic and innovative, even in a world full of imitators. Her story is not just about business success; it's a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

Explore the origin story of KinkyCurlyYaki, a brand born out of Vivian's need to address unmet needs in the Black beauty space. She shines a light on how passion-driven entrepreneurship can yield remarkable success, particularly for marginalized communities. With candid insights, Vivian discusses the power of self-leadership and authenticity, and how focusing on these core values helped her navigate the pressures of growing a business while managing the demands of motherhood and personal growth.

Vivian shares her strategies for handling the online world, advocating for mental health breaks, and emphasizing the importance of legacy beyond mere financial wealth. Through her experiences, we acknowledge the shared struggles and triumphs of women in the "messy middle" of their careers. This episode is not just an exploration of business growth but a source of empowerment and motivation for those seeking authenticity and strength in their personal and professional lives.

Guest Bio: 
Vivian Kaye is an immigrant, college dropout, and single mom who bootstrapped KinkyCurlyYaki, a premium textured hair extensions brand for Black women, into a multimillion-dollar empire. As a vibrant keynote speaker and media personality, she bridges the worlds of big and small business, combining Gary Vee's hustle with Oprah's heart.

Featured on CityTV’s Cityline as an Entrepreneur & Empowerment Expert, and in documentaries on CBC and Discovery+, Vivian’s real-talk approach empowers audiences to take bold action. Her journey as a Black female entrepreneur has been showcased in publications like The New York Times, Toronto Star, and The Globe & Mail. Vivian has also partnered with national and global brands such as Shopify, Amazon, LG, Samsung, American Express Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Porsche Canada.

With Vivian, audiences learn how to turn their big dreams into even bigger realities.

Connect with Vivian:
@itsviviankaye on all platforms

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Renee Ventrice is on a bold mission to shake up the business landscape, pairing her entrepreneurial instincts with an unexpected passion for wine. Join us as Renee recounts her journey from a teenage lip-syncing artist to a savvy entrepreneur who seamlessly blends business strategy with wine expertise. Her creative approach challenges conventional norms and invites us to explore how unexpected connections can create unique niches in the business world.

Wine is not just a beverage—it's an experience, a connector, a passion. Renee shares how curiosity and small steps can lead to transformative experiences. From sensory memories evoked by wine tastings to the craft of wine networking, this episode is a celebration of following one's instincts and embracing passions. Renee also gives us a glimpse into her innovative wine tours and education models, inspiring listeners to trust their gut and explore their unique paths with courage and creativity.

Guest Bio:

Renee Ventrice is a Pairing Professional: by day, she pairs businesses with clients and collaborators. By night, she pairs wine with life and local cuisine. A self-proclaimed "unemployable entrepreneur", Renee has a knack for reaching beyond the low hanging fruit so her clients showcase their badassery in front of a curated audience. She is also a certified wine educator who goes beyond the glass to experience wine, not just drink it!

Connect with Renee:

• https://www.facebook.com/reneeventriceofficial
• https://www.instagram.com/reneeventriceofficial/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-ventrice/
• https://www.reneeventrice.com/

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In this powerful and candid conversation, Sarah reconnects with her former client and long-time friend, Anita Kirkbride, founder of Twirp Communications and advocate for mental health. Anita shares her journey of embracing imperfection, navigating depression and anxiety as an entrepreneur, and her bold decision to run for City Council.

Together, they discuss resilience, the anti-hero mindset, the power of vulnerability in business, and how women can break free from societal pressures to live authentically.

Guest Bio:
Anita Kirkbride UNDERcomplicates social media marketing for smart, successful small businesses. She encourages her clients to ditch perfectionism, embrace authenticity and #BeFlawsome in their social media. She started Twirp Communications Inc., a boutique social media consulting business, in 2011 and the Social Media Day Halifax conference in 2018. She has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs leverage social media through her consulting, BeFlawsome podcast, educational blog, and a variety of webinars and online courses. The anti-hero Spicy Anita arrived in 2023 and is known for her red leather jacket, busting myths about the online marketing industry and encouraging her followers to #UnleashTheAntiHero. An unwavering advocate for mental health awareness, Anita embodies intersectional feminism and challenges traditional business paradigms as an anti-capitalist entrepreneur and is curating an anthology of stories called Big D Energy due out October 2024. She also recently made a huge career pivot when she decided to put her name on the ballot for city council in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Connect with Anita:
Find her as @TwirpCommunications everywhere (except LinkedIn)

Are you a hero or anti-hero in your marketing? Take Anita's quiz to find out! CLICK HERE

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.